Networking by matching profile information over a data-packet-network and a local area network

ABSTRACT

A system for anonymously initiating communication between system-connected communications devices is provided wherein the initiation of communication results from comparison and priority matching of profile information shared between the devices. The system in one aspect comprises at least two communications devices connected to the system, the communications devices having at least a microprocessor, a data-input mechanism, a display screen, a wireless local-area-network protocol application enhanced with short-wave radio communication capability installed per instance to each of the devices, and a profile comparison and matching application installed per instance to each of the devices. When any two of the devices come into short-wave radio range of each other, the devices activated, a wireless local-area-network is established and the in-range devices swap profiles, which are compared to profiles held locally on each device such that a profile match registering on at least one device enables the device matching the profile to signal the sending device of the matched profile in order to request communication between the devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is in the field of network communicationsincluding Internet communications and pertains more particularly tomethods for optimizing the networking experience for users by enablingpriority profile matching as a predecessor to networking sessions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Capability for person-to-person communication has been enhancedgreatly through recent development in wireless telephony and Internettechnology. Anyone with a suitable wireless digital personal applianceor Internet appliance such as a personal computer with a standardInternet connection may access and communicate with other such equippedpersons for the purpose of pleasure, business, or shared activities.There has also been great acceptance of technology for person-to-personcommunication with the purpose of making initial contact in an anonymousmanner so as to provide two parties with a method of determining adesire (or lack) to further communicate semi-anonymously until the twoparties decide to, or not to, meet face-to-face.

[0003] One problem that is encountered by an individual practicing thismanner of communication is a lack of being able to immediatelycommunicate with potentially desirable parties, and in many cases a lackof specific information as to the locality of a person to whom theymight wish to communicate. Many prior-art services currently providecommunication paths, such as Internet or newsprint personaladvertisements, for example. These services provide a capability torespond but that capability is dependent on some time lapse between thetime of placing the advertisement and receipt of responses to theadvertisements. In these methods there is a considerable time lapsebetween the receipt of the response and initiating a reply to theinitial interest.

[0004] In addition to the above, the profile information in suchprior-art services is often sketchy and location information mayindicate only a city or general geographic location. Time response usingInternet paths is dependent on the person placing the advertisement toaccess the responses to their advertisement and reply. This may beaccomplished in a matter of minutes or days depending on personalinterests and habits. Time response in newsprint scenarios will takedays or weeks depending on the time of placing the advertisement,publication timeframes, and reader search and response.

[0005] Another issue placing limitations on prior-art applications ofpersonal communication services is the process in which the replies topersonal advertisements are made. In the Internet application describedabove, one needs a PC or sophisticated digital appliance to search thepersonals services and reply usually via Internet to an interestingparty. In the newsprint application, a responder most often has to replyto a cited telephone number or in some cases, send a letter todesignated address. A significant limitation of current and prior-artservices is the lack of availability of immediate and specific locationinformation of the two parties utilizing a personal communicationsservice.

[0006] A short-range radio technology system, known to the inventors asBlue tooth™, provides a capability for communications among digitaldevices using local wireless/cellular networks and the Internet andprovides simplified data synchronization between such Net devices andcomputers.

[0007] Bluetooth™ firmware installed on a wireless device continuallybroadcasts and searches within a defined radius for other devices havingBluetooth™ technology capability. When such devices are “in range” theymay communicate with one other. It has occurred to the inventors thatthis technology may be exploited and modified to provide meetingservices based on profiling.

[0008] What is clearly needed is an Internet-enhanced networking systemapplicable to wireless technology that enables users to quickly locateinterested parties based on priority profiling wherein profile matchingand acceptance is a predecessor for communication and possibly meeting.Such a system greatly would greatly enhance any networking situationwherein it is desired to have knowledge of the participants beforeinitiating non-anonymous communication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method forinitiating communication between at least two users of two or more usersoperating communications devices on a communications network, thecommunication advanced according to priority profile exchange andmatching between the users is provided. The method comprises the stepsof, (a) activating the communications devices to exchange profileinformation with each other, (b) receiving profiles, each communicationsdevice receiving profiles from other participating communicationsdevices, (c) comparing the received profiles to local profiles stored oneach of the participating communications devices, the matching performedaccording to priority criteria, (d) registering at least one match ofprofiles on at least one of the communications devices, (e) identifyingthe sending device of the highest priority profile matched and (f)initiating communication between the communications devices involved inthe profile match, the communication initiated from the deviceregistering the profile match.

[0010] In one aspect, the communications network comprises alocal-area-network. In a preferred aspect, the local-area-network is awireless network using short-wave radio technology. In this aspect ofthe method in step (a), activation of the communications devices anddetection of other devices within range constitutes thelocal-area-network. In preferred aspects of the method in step (a), thecommunications devices have a microprocessor, a display, an inputcontrol mechanism, and a wireless local-area-network protocol embeddedin the microprocessor. In one embodiment, the wirelesslocal-area-network protocol is a firmware installable to the device. Inanother aspect of the method, the communications network comprises alocal-area-network connected to a cellular telephone network accessiblefrom the Internet network and wherein at least one of the communicationsdevices is a Web-enabled cellular telephone. In one aspect of themethod, a file server having a database connected thereto is provided onthe Internet and adapted for performing steps (b) through (f) on behalfof the at least one Web-enabled cellular phone. In still another aspectof the method, the communications network further comprises a wirelessdata-packet-network connected to the local-area-network and accessiblefrom the Internet network and wherein at least one of the communicationsdevices is a Web-enabled hand-held computer. Further to the above, theWeb-enabled hand-held computer is adapted to perform steps (c) through(f) on behalf of other communications devices. In a preferred aspect ofthe method in step (b), the received profiles are real profiles. Inanother aspect, in step (c), the local profiles are request profiles.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, a system foranonymously initiating communication between system-connectedcommunications devices, the initiation of communication resulting fromcomparison and priority matching of profile information shared betweenthe devices is provided. The system comprises, at least twocommunications devices connected to the system, the communicationsdevices having at least a microprocessor, a data-input mechanism, adisplay screen, a wireless local-area-network protocol applicationenhanced with short-wave radio communication capability installed perinstance to each of the devices and a profile comparison and matchingapplication installed per instance to each of the devices. When any twoof the devices come into short-wave radio range of each other, and thedevices are activated, a wireless local-area-network is established andthe in-range devices swap profiles, which are compared to profiles heldlocally on each device such that a profile match registering on at leastone device enables the device matching the profile to signal the sendingdevice of the matched profile in order to request communication betweenthe devices.

[0012] In one aspect, the system is defined by the activity states ofthe in-range communications devices. In another aspect, thecommunications devices further include a voice communication capabilityusing the short-wave radio technology. In one embodiment, thecommunications devices include Web-enabled cellular telephones. Inanother embodiment, the communications devices further includeWeb-enabled hand-held computers.

[0013] In one aspect, the system further comprises a computerized hostnode connected to the system. The host node is adapted for profilecomparison and matching on behalf of the communications devices. Inanother aspect, the system further comprises a communications servermaintained on the Internet and connected to the host node. Thecommunications server is for storing profile information and forenabling system extension to remote Internet users accessing the server.

[0014] In one embodiment, the file server is accessible from theWeb-enabled cellular telephones, from the Web-enabled hand-heldcomputers, and from non-Internet capable communications devicesfunctioning as peripherals through the computerized host node. Inpreferred application, the host node and the file server have aninstance of the wireless local-area-network application and an instanceof the profile comparison and matching application installed thereon forprofile synchronization, comparison, and matching purposes. In stillanother embodiment, the wireless local-area-network application and theprofile comparison and matching application are integrated as oneapplication.

[0015] Now, for the first time, a networking system applicable toshort-wave wireless technology is provided that enables users to quicklylocate interested parties based on priority profiling. In some aspectsthe networking system is extensible into the Internet network enablingpractice without geographic limitations. Such a system greatly enhancesany networking situation wherein it is desired to have knowledge of theparticipants before initiating non-anonymous communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0016]FIG. 1 is an architectural overview of a communication networkwherein priority profile exchange is practiced as a predecessor tonetworking sessions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating logical steps of home PC tohome PC communication using priority profile matching, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating logical steps of voice box tocell phone communication using priority profile matching according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating logical steps of a trade showpromotion using priority profile matching according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, aunique system is provided and adapted to provide services to users whohave a capability of using a wireless LAN to communicate directly viaNet devices or to users having Internet access capability throughwireless or cellular networks and devices. Such a system provides alocation-sensitive prioritized profile-matching service for users with amethod for accessing that information via handheld and personal digitalappliances through a telephony interface direct to establisheddatabases. The methods and apparatus of the present invention aredescribed in enabling detail below.

[0021]FIG. 1 is an architectural overview of a communications network 9wherein priority profile exchange is practiced as a predecessor tonetworking sessions according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Communications network 9 comprises a wireless local-area-network(LAN) 40, a wireless data network 47, a cellular network 35, adata-packet-network (Internet) 25, and exemplary users 1 and 2 connectedby PC/Internet connection to an Internet backbone 23. LAN 40 is enabled,in this embodiment, by a technology known as Bluetooth™, which providesa communication protocol as well as firmware for local devicecommunication.

[0023] Communications network 9 represents a variety of architecturesfor practicing the present invention according to a plurality ofembodiments. Therefore, it is the intent of the inventor to firstdescribe all of the represented devices and communication connections,and then to describe applicable paths and scenarios for practicing thepresent invention.

[0024] LAN 40, as described above, is existent according to Bluetooth™technology in that communication exists only when there are more thanone device activated within an acceptable vicinity (range) of eachother. It may be assumed in this example, that LAN 40 is not fixed inany way, and that it becomes applicable whenever activated devices arewithin range of one another.

[0025] There are a variety of exemplary wireless communications devicesillustrated within LAN 40. These are a handheld computer 43, aWeb-enabled phone 33, and a wireless device 42, termed a “meeter”device, by the inventor. Meeter device 42 is a proprietary deviceespecially adapted for practicing the present invention within the scopeof a wireless LAN created using Bluetooth™ technology. In thisembodiment, handheld device 43 and Web-enabled phone 33 are also adaptedwith Bluetooth™ technology.

[0026] Wireless devices 33, and 43 are standard devices havingInternet-connection capability through respective network gateways. Forexample, palm device 43 may access Internet 25, also represented bybackbone 23, via an Internet-service-provider (ISP) 49 illustratedwithin intermediary wireless network 47, and an associated networkgateway (NG) 51 also illustrated within network 47. NG 51 is connectedto backbone 23 by an Internet access line 37 enabling Internetconnectivity and communication capability to device 43. Similarly,Web-enabled phone 33, which in this embodiment is a cellular telephone,accesses Internet 25 (backbone 23) through an illustrated communicationstower, a connected ISP 37, and a network gateway (NG) 39 all illustratedwithin cellular network 35. NG 39 is connected to backbone 23 by anInternet access line 41 enabling Internet connectivity and communicationcapabilities to phone 33.

[0027] In this embodiment, meeter device 42, roughly the size of acredit card in a preferred embodiment, does not have Internet-accesscapabilities. Rather, device 42 may only communicate in limited fashionwith other devices within limited radio range. As previously describedabove, LAN 40 represents wireless coverage over somewhat localized areassuch as 10 to 100 meters in rough diameter. Therefore, devices 33, 42,and 45 may directly communicate, using radio signals, with one anotheronly within an operable communication range defined within a cell areaas described above.

[0028] Internet 25 represents a preferred data-packet-network forpracticing the present invention according to variant embodiments.Internet backbone 23 represents all of the lines, equipment, andconnection points making up Internet 25 as a whole. Therefore, there areno geographic limitations to the practicing the present invention. AsLAN 40 represents just one local area created by virtue of activedevices within range of one another, it will be appreciated that a greatmany such LANs may exist simultaneously, and may be distributed over alarge region wherever two or more communication-capable devices comewithin range of one another.

[0029] Exemplary users 1 and 2 represent users operating from homepremises using Internet backbone 23 as a conduit. Users 1 and 2 areidentically equipped in this example. User 1 has a PC 11 for accessingthe Internet through backbone 23 and standard Internet accesscapabilities as known in the art. The most common of these isdial-up/modem access achieved through an ISP. There are otherpossibilities as well. User 1 has a voice box (VB) 13 connected to PC 11and a telephone 15 connected to VB 13. This configuration allows voicecommunication over an Internet connection utilizing a standardtelephone. Such configurations are known in the art and available to theinventor. User 1 also has a wireless LAN card (WLC) 10 installed on PC11. WLC 10 is a Bluetooth™ card in this example and adapts PC 11 as aBluetooth™ communication device. User 2 is adapted identically as user 1by way of a PC 17 connected to backbone 23, a VB 19 connected to PC 17,a telephone 21 connected to VB 19, and a WLC 16 installed on PC 17enabling PC 17 as a Bluetooth™ device.

[0030] A service provider 27 is provided within Internet 25 andrepresents a central-control station for managing and propagating userprofiles according to various embodiments of the present invention.Service provider 27 comprises a file server 29 and a connected datarepository 31. File server 29 is adapted as a user-interfacing serverfor users operating any Internet-capable device including PCs 11 and 17,device 43 within LAN 40, and device 33 within LAN 40. Data repository 31is adapted to store user profiles and other data about users such asdevice identification, subscriber information, account information andso on. Profile data included in repository 31 facilitates embodiments ofthe present invention, which comprises networking based on prioritizedprofile matching and exchange.

[0031] Software (not shown) provided to reside in server 29 and withinrepository 31 functions to match stored “real” profiles against“request” profiles and propagates selected profiles or notice thereof toparticipating and requesting devices using a networking protocol. Thetwo separate types of profiles, real and request profiles, are createdby users practicing the present invention. The inventor terms theprofiles “self” (real) profiles and “meet” (request) profiles.

[0032] Various embodiments of the present invention are enabled in thisexample by various communication paths illustrated herein. Thereforeusers having varying intents may practice the invention using variantcommunications paths and obtain results accordingly. An important goalof the present invention is to provide users with an ability to “see”pertinent profiles (real) attributed to any other users beforeinitiating committed contact in a way that enables quick contact andfulfills a variety of user interests.

[0033] For example, assume that LAN 40 exists by virtue of a pluralityof users congregating at a popular nightclub while practicing thepresent invention. In this consideration, logical user intent would beto meet other users having desirable qualities purposeful of socialinteraction. Although not required, assume that the plurality of usersall have devices identical to device 42. Device 42 is, in this scenario,a credit-card sized communication device enabled with Bluetooth™technology as previously described. Device 42 can be similar inoperation to a paging device and has at least a display screen, alimited key-pad, and a capability of receiving and sending messages fromand to other like devices. In some embodiments device 42 may also beenhanced with limited range voice transmission and receiving capability.

[0034] In this simple example, Internet 25 and other illustratednetworks and paths and equipment do not come in to play. Each device 42has a relatively powerful microprocessor that enables users to configureand store real and request profiles, and enables each device to matchreceived (real) profiles with profiles (request) already stored. Eachuser, before arriving at the particular nightclub, has configured atleast one real profile and one request profile into his or her device42. When users activate their devices at the nightclub, LAN 40 comesinto existence as devices begin communicating with each other in thesharing and matching of profile information. For example, when one usercomes into range of another, each device will send a real profile to theother device. These profiles are received by each participating deviceand matched against request profiles (what users are looking for) storedon each device. If a match, or in some embodiments, a partial matchoccurs, the device making the match beeps, vibrates, or alerts the userin some other fashion. The matching profile is displayed on the devicewith an option to contact the device that sent the matching profile.Contact may be similar to a page, or may be enhanced with voicecommunication capability in some embodiments.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, a range of only 10meters (about 32 feet) allows an optimum chance for user-identificationof the owner of a device that sent a matching profile. When the range is100 meters, there may be many more profiles being traded and matchedlending necessity to device identification and paging capability. If adevice is paged because of a matching profile, the owner of the devicecan see the real profile of the user operating the paging device. Ifdesired, the owner may answer the page and identify him or herself Ifthe owner does not like the profile, then he or she need not answer. Inone embodiment as described above device 42 is further enhanced withshort-range voice capabilities allowing consenting users to speak witheach other.

[0036] The above-described situation represents a simple embodimentwherein only users within range of each other may exchange profileinformation. It will be appreciated that this technology may bepracticed in any location or dynamically, with users moving about.

[0037] In another example, consider that users are now operatinghand-held devices such as hand-held device 43, and/or cellular phonessuch as phone 33. In this situation LAN 40 is enhanced withaccessibility to the Internet network. A new dynamic comes into play inthat users may now share profiles with each other and, in some cases,depending on device capability, receive and send profile informationfrom and to server 29 at provider 27. Still further, Internetenhancement enables remote users to browse locations and associatedprofiles in order to determine which locations are good meeting placesaccording to their request profiles.

[0038] To illustrate the Internet enhancement using the exemplaryarchitecture and communication paths laid out in communications network9, consider that users operating within LAN 40 at a nightclub areuploading their real profiles to server 29, which recognizes thenightclub as a local and popular club for singles. Devices 43 and 33 inthis example may accomplish uploading of profile information.

[0039] Device 43 may upload profile information through ISP 49, NG 51,access line 37, backbone 23 into server 29. Server 29 temporarily storesthe profile information from device 43 in database 31. Similarly, device33 (cell phone) may upload profile information through cell tower andconnected ISP 37, NG 39, access line 41, backbone 23 into server 29whereupon the information is also stored in repository 31. Now, theprofiles of the owners of devices 43 and 33 are available on-line tobrowsing members. Assume now that Users 1 and 2 have logged on toInternet 25 by accessing backbone 23 and are engaged in browsing ofserver 29. Users 1 and 2 may be looking for a popular spot locally wherethere is a good chance to meet someone in which they might beinterested. User 2 may browse uploaded profiles of those users currentlypatronizing nightclub (LAN 40).

[0040] If interested, user 2 may download real profiles for matchingwith his or her request profile stored locally on PC 17. In anotherembodiment, user 2 may upload a request profile to server 29 and have itmatched with real profiles stored in repository 31. In either case, ifthere are matches, user 2 may decide to travel to the popular nightclubwith a Bluetooth™ enabled device similar to any of those illustratedwithin LAN 40. Alternatively, user 2 may select to send a notice andreal profile to the owner of a device whose profile matched the requestprofile of user 2. In this case, remote communication may be establishedbetween user 2 and a user operating either device 43 or device 33 withinLAN 40. User 1 has the same capability as described with respect to user2. It is important to note herein that all real identificationinformation such as names, phone numbers and the like are not providedduring initial exchange in order to protect anonymity and privacy ofusers.

[0041] In another embodiment, one or more users may act as Internethosts for other users if their devices have the required capabilities.In this situation, hand-held device 43, for example, is capable ofstoring many downloaded profiles as illustrated by a database (DB) 45installed therein. Device 43 may share profiles locally, receiveprofiles from the Internet, and match them with other profiles of otherusers. It is important to note that service provider 27 may interfacewith any user operating Internet-capable devices through server 29 inorder to the receive profile information described above and, perhaps,location information comprising the name and the location of thenightclub. Server 29 stores this information in repository 31 tagged tothe sending user identification.

[0042] In the above-described example wherein LAN 40 exists at a popularnightclub, for example, real (self) and request (meet) profiles reflectpersonal data such as appearance, interests, hobbies, income, maritalstatus, and may include temporary information such as purpose forattending the nightclub. A request profile would essentially carry thesame type of information. A request profile reflects a user's desiredattributes in someone with whom they might consider socializing. In anightclub, this information would tend to gravitate around dating andsocial interaction. For sports, people may meet for sailing, tennis,soccer, golf etc. or for someone to play games like bridge, pool, etc.In other situations, profiles may reflect business capabilities, itemsfor sale, items wanted, or essentially any other information. It isimportant to note herein that service provider 27 may provide, throughserver 29, generic profile templates (electronic forms) for populationand submission. In one embodiment, a user may create his or her ownprofiles having categories not already provided in a template.

[0043] Along with configuring and uploading profile information toserver 29, a user may also signify a time period wherein the profilesmay be considered active. For example, “activate this profile set from 6pm to 11 pm tonight”. As users arrive and begin to mingle at theparticular location, such as a nightclub, an Internet host connected toserver 29 begins communicating profile matches to users by beeping orbuzzing the user's devices when a desirable match occurs within thevicinity of the host. This assumes, of course, that matching of profilesoccurs at network level within server 29, or within the Internet host.

[0044] Meeter protocol (software) is integrated with Bluetooth™ firmwarein order to enhance the former technology with the instructionalcapabilities for receiving and propagating profiles, matching profiles,and applying flexible “threshold” criteria set by users for defining andaccepting a match. Using the protocol along with embedded LAN attributesof each device, up-linking to a central Web site and profile matchingand propagation is enhanced with the one-touch data-sync capabilityoffered by the wireless LAN synchronization protocol. In indicating amatch, comparison need not be exact, and comparisons may be done in amanner to report, with an alert, a partial match, and in some cases thedegree of a match, such as 70%, also the match degree of the otherperson may be provided.

[0045]FIG. 2 is an exemplary flow diagram representing home PC to homePC communication. At step 53, user 1 logs into the main Web-site, whichin this case is service provider 27 of FIG. 1. At step 57, user 1 entersa profile of “self” and “meet” into a match server (server 29). At step59, user 1 enters a start time and an end time to be called.

[0046] In a parallel effort, before, during or after user 1's actionexemplified in steps 53-59, user 2 logs into the main Web-site at step65. Once logged in and authenticated, user 2 enters a “self” and “meet”profile at step 67.

[0047] It is noted herein that users 1 and 2 are analogous to users 1and 2 of FIG. 1 having VB capability and IP capabilities throughrespective PCs 11 and 17. At step 69 user 2, still logged into the mainWeb-site as described at step 65, observes available profiles ofpre-selected individuals. The available profiles are priority-matchedprofiles of those persons within his location. Matching is accomplishedby software capabilities established in server 29 of FIG. 1. Thepre-selection also provides the location of pre-selected individuals andthat the real profile of user 1 is the best (highest priority) match forthe request profile information entered by user 2 at step 67.

[0048] At step 71, user 2 clicks on user 1's status and finds that user1 is presently logged in to the service. At step 73, user 2 clicks theinteractive indication and sends a message to user 1, the message toinvite user 1 to meet in a chat room. The message technology used may beinstant messaging, voice-mail, or other forms. It is important to notethat the message is anonymous in that it does not reveal the sender IDor the receiver ID. At step 61, user 1 proactively receives the messageindicating user 2 has left a message, or may receive a direct phonecall. At step 75, user 1 accesses the message left by user 2 and reviewsthe real profile information of user 2, which is sent with the message.User 1 likes the information provided in user 2's profile and clicks theinteractive indication to send a message to user 2 accepting theproposed meeting in a chat room. Concluding the initiation activity,user 1 and 2 meet and converse in a chat room at step 77. It is notedherein that all messaging between user 1 and 2 up until the point offinal acceptance of user 1 to meet in a chat room is brokered by theservice. Once in a chat room, which may be a private chat room, user 1and 2 are left to their own devices. In other embodiments chatcapability may be provided as a part of service provider 27.

[0049] This exemplary process represents just one of many possibleinteraction scenarios that may exist between Internet-connected PCspracticing networking according to priority profile matching. It will beapparent to one with skill in the art that the exact steps includingcommunication mediums may be different without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Such differences may be decided, forexample IP phone instead of interactive chat, or dictated, for exampleone user cannot use a selected communication medium but can use another.

[0050] Also, matching profiles at step 69 is not limited to thoseprofiles of people within any given location which may be local to abrowsing user. Selecting those profiles within a given location onlyenhances the possibility of a physical meeting, which may or may nottake place as the result of chat interaction.

[0051]FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow diagram representing voice box to cellphone communication. In this embodiment cell phone user 1 logs into theservice as ‘available with a cell phone’ at step 79. In one embodimentof this mode, user 1 may be at one of a plurality of “known”establishments and is seeking interested parties that may be browsingthe Web locally. User 1 enters a start time and end time to be called atstep 81. It is noted herein that user 1 has entered or activated herselected profiles at the time of log-in at step 79.

[0052] In a parallel effort, user 2 logs into the service at step 87.User 2 also enters or activates selected profiles for matching. User 2observes priority-matched profiles of individuals within the immediateor nearby locations and determines that user 1 best matches the requestprofile information activated by user 2. The profile matching isaccomplished in the same manner as described in FIG. 2. User 2 thenclicks on user 1's status and finds that person is presently logged inas ‘available with a cell phone’ at step 91. It may also be known touser 2 the location of user 1.

[0053] At step 93 user 2 clicks the interactive profile indication ofuser 1 and initiates a communication using a Voice Box (VB) analogous toVB 19 of FIG. 1. This action culminates in a voice over Internetprotocol (VoIP) call placed to the cell phone of user 1 at step 94. User1 receives a call on the target cell phone at step 85 and a voicerecording is played announcing user 2's request. During the recording,the profile of user 2 is made available either through the recording, ordisplayed on the screen of the target phone. User 1, in this example,likes the profile of user 2 and elects to take the call in the same step85. It is noted herein that all of the normal caller ID is not availablethrough the VB service. In this way, the call from user 2 is madeanonymously to user 1. Conversely, user 1 is anonymous to user 2 duringthe call request. Once user 1 elects to take the call, they may beginnormal communication at step 95 and are left to their own devices. Animplementation of this approach would allow a user to log in from homeand register as just available, awaiting a call from a match.

[0054] This embodiment is similar to the one described in FIG. 2 exceptthat one user is mobile and presumed to be located at a certainestablishment. This is, however, not required in order to practice thepresent invention. A user, for example, in transit from one physicallocation to another may activate a “destination profile” any time beforearrival. It is also noted herein that Bluetooth™ technology is notspecifically required to practice the embodiments described in FIGS. 2and 3. However, the technology enables the profile synchronization toproceed in a more efficient manner. Short-wave radio technology is notused unless profiles are exchanged locally.

[0055]FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow diagram representing a trade showpromotion wherein priority-profile matching is practiced according to anembodiment of the present invention. At step 97 a trade showadministrator accesses the service (provider 27) of FIG. 1 prior to thedate of the planned show and registers show “profile” informationcomprising exhibit information and contact information for representedbooths exhibiting at the show. This information represents real profilesand is stored at the service in a data repository analogous torepository 31 of FIG. 1. Entering of information may be accomplished viaa PC set-up at the show or from any remote location. In this case,general show information may include show themes, organizations to berepresented, location and time/date parameters, and so on. Individualbooth profiles may include items to be exhibited, services available,and cell phone numbers of exhibitors working the booths at pre-selectedtimes. In one embodiment, one cell phone is made available at eachbooth.

[0056] At step 99, booth attendant A logs into the service at thebeginning of the trade show. The profile information of the booth isalready known by the service. In a parallel effort, a trade-showseeker/browser logs into the service with a Web-enabled cell phone atstep 101 and browses for registered shows in the vicinity. At step 103,the trade-show browser locates an announcement of a relevant show in hisarea and reviews content of show information. In the same step, thetrade-show seeker selects items of interest. This selection culminates arequest profile entered by the trade-show seeker.

[0057] At step 105 the trade-show seeker arrives at the scheduled showand logs into the service. The service matches the items of interest(user profile) pre-entered at step 103 with the profile information ofall of the participating booths. Profiles are delivered to thetrade-show browser who is now at the location of the show at step 107.It is indicated in step 107 that the profile of booth A is thehighest-ranking profile that matches the request profile configured atstep 103. The trade-show seeker receives the profile information fromBooth A on his or her cell phone including booth contact information andmay call or visit the indicated booth at step 109. It is noted hereinthat booth profiles may also be stored locally (at each booth) onrespective Bluetooth™ capable devices, and they may be sent to thetrade-show seeker when he or she comes into range of each booth. In thiscase, the seeker's device may match the “real” booth profile against a“request” profile held locally on the seeker's device. If a boothprofile significantly matches (according to threshold) the seeker'srequest profile, his or her device may beep or vibrate, or provide someother alert, indicating a match or a partial match. In thejust-described case, a meeter device, cell phone, or hand-held deviceanalogous to devices 33-43 of FIG. 1 may be used.

[0058] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced utilizing a variety of devices andcommunications paths exemplified in the example architecture of FIG. 1without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example in a simplest embodiment “meeter” devices are used forshort-range profile exchange and matching without benefit of Internetcapabilities or host computers. In more advanced embodiments Internetheld profiles may be accessed through Internet-capable and Bluetooth™enabled devices, host computers, Bluetooth™ modems or network bridgesand so on.

[0059] It will also be apparent to one with skill in the art that themethod of the present invention may be tailored according to a number ofservice criteria such as for social networking, sports, hobbies,business networking, convention or trade show activity or otherconceivable scenarios without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. The rules governing profile matching and profilestorage including where profiles are matched are dictated somewhat bythe intent of a specific service variation. In some cases real contactinformation is desired to be publicized and in some cases it is not.

[0060] It will further be apparent to one with skill in the art, thatinstant messages, following established Bluetooth wireless protocol andstandard instant message protocol, can be propagated back and forthbetween utilizing members and activity providers without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0061] The method and apparatus of the present invention may bepracticed by private individuals operating on the Internet, privateindividuals creating local Bluetooth Wireless LANs, businesses operatingon a compatible LAN connected to the Internet, and so on. This includesthe use of cell phones. There are many customizable situations. Thepresent invention as taught herein and above should be afforded thebroadest of scope. The spirit and scope of the present invention islimited only by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for initiating communication between atleast two users of two or more users operating communications devices ona communications network, the communication advanced according topriority profile exchange and matching between the users comprising thesteps of: (a) activating the communications devices to exchange profileinformation with each other; (b) receiving profiles, each communicationsdevice receiving profiles from other participating communicationsdevices; (c) comparing the received profiles to local profiles stored oneach of the participating communications devices, the matching performedaccording to priority criteria; (d) registering at least one match ofprofiles on at least one of the communications devices; (e) identifyingthe sending device of the highest priority profile matched; and (f)initiating communication between the communications devices involved inthe profile match, the communication initiated from the deviceregistering the profile match.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thecommunications network comprises a local-area-network.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the local-area-network is a wireless network usingshort-wave radio technology.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein in step(a), activation of the communications devices and detection of otherdevices within range constitutes the local-area-network.
 5. The methodof claim 4 wherein in step (a), the communications devices have amicroprocessor, a display, an input control mechanism, and a wirelesslocal-area-network protocol embedded in the microprocessor.
 6. Themethod of claim 5 wherein in step (a), the wireless local-area-networkprotocol is a firmware installable to the device.
 7. The method of claim1 wherein the communications network comprises a local-area-networkconnected to a cellular telephone network accessible from the Internetnetwork and wherein at least one of the communications devices is aWeb-enabled cellular telephone.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein aserver having a database connected thereto is provided on the Internetand adapted for performing steps (b) through (f) on behalf of the atleast one Web-enabled cellular phone.
 9. The method of claim 7 whereinthe communications network further comprises a wirelessdata-packet-network connected to the local-area-network and accessiblefrom the Internet network and wherein at least one of the communicationsdevices is a Web-enabled hand-held computer.
 10. The method of claim 9wherein the Web-enabled hand-held computer is adapted to perform steps(c) through (f) on behalf of other communications devices.
 11. Themethod of claim 6 wherein in step (b), the received profiles are realprofiles.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein in step (c), the localprofiles are request profiles.
 13. A system for anonymously initiatingcommunication between system-connected communications devices, theinitiation of communication resulting from comparison and prioritymatching of profile information shared between the devices comprising:at least two communications devices connected to the system, thecommunications devices having at least a microprocessor, a data-inputmechanism, a display screen; a wireless local-area-network protocolapplication enhanced with short-wave radio communication capabilityinstalled per instance to each of the devices; and a profile comparisonand matching application installed per instance to each of the devices,characterized in that when any two of the devices come into short-waveradio range of each other, the devices activated, a wirelesslocal-area-network is established and the in-range devices swapprofiles, which are compared to profiles held locally on each devicesuch that a profile match registering on at least one device enables thedevice matching the profile to signal the sending device of the matchedprofile in order to request communication between the devices.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the system is defined by the activity statesof the in-range communications devices.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein the communications devices further include a voice communicationcapability using the short-wave radio technology.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein the communications devices include Web-enabledcellular telephones.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein thecommunications devices further include Web-enabled hand-held computers.18. The system of claim 17 further comprising a computerized host nodeconnected to the system, the host node adapted for profile comparisonand matching on behalf of the communications devices.
 19. The system ofclaim 18 further comprising a communications server maintained on theInternet and connected to the host node, the communications server forstoring profile information and for enabling system extension to remoteInternet users accessing the server.
 20. The system of claim 19, whereinthe file server is accessible from the Web-enabled cellular telephones,from the Web-enabled hand-held computers, and from non-Internet capablecommunications devices functioning as peripherals through thecomputerized host node.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the hostnode and the file server have an instance of the wirelesslocal-area-network application and an instance of the profile comparisonand matching application installed thereon for profile synchronization,comparison, and matching purposes.
 22. The system of claim 21, whereinthe wireless local-area-network application and the profile comparisonand matching application are integrated as one application.